Barbara Andrews, co-ordinator of the group which monitors traffic in Stoke, Hartshill, Basford and Penkhull, said: “There were double 'V' signs and he swerved around to pull up in front of us on double yellow lines. He was very verbally hostile and he tried to follow us home, pursuing us through the streets of Hartshill.

"This man is in charge of a public service vehicle. It made us quite alarmed for anyone who would get into his vehicle.

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"The county Speedwatch co-ordinator rang and said 'I hope you won't be put off' and I said not at all - we're British bulldogs. It did put the wind up us for quarter of an hour - it isn't very pleasant to be followed by someone who did not mean us any good - but most people are very supportive.”

The incident came just two days after the volunteers' sign was taken by a group of children and teenagers on Harpfield Road on Friday night.

Barbara said: "Eight children, aged 12 to 15 years, moved the Community Speedwatch sign on two occasions. Once it was taken from the roadside to the central reservation and once it was taken up a bank, dismantled and the pieces thrown downhill.

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A total of 2,774 vehicles were counted and the details of 21, who were clocked travelling at more than 34 miles per hour, were sent to the County Speedwatch Co-ordinator for further action. The highest speed recorded was 43mph.

Barbara said this was a ‘significant improvement’ compared with the same period last year.

She added: "Most noticeable has been the impact of recent traffic speed reduction measures on Newcastle Lane, where again under one per cent (four out of 411) vehicles were recorded as travelling at 35mph or above.

“In 2017, on similar weekdays and times of day, between 10 and 35 vehicles per hour were often recorded as travelling at or above 35mph on this road. This feels like success."

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Police confirmed the matter had been reported to them and the taxi driver had since been spoken to.

Peter Johnson, enforcement manager at Staffordshire Police, said: “At 4.50pm on Sunday we received a report of a taxi driver acting in an aggressive manner towards Community Speedwatch Volunteers at their site in Hartshill Road.

“Local officers located the taxi driver and advice was given in regards to his behaviour. No further action was taken as per the request of those involved.

“We are very fortunate to have over 375 Speed Watch volunteers helping Staffordshire Police keep our roads safe. Nobody should be subjected to aggressive or verbal abuse especially volunteers and where possible action will be taken to identify and speak to the offender.”